Hay fever season

THIS past winter was mostly mild. Apart from a few cold flashes, plants and trees have been treating the weather like an early spring. And when flowers open, allergies explode!

Ongoing studies have shown that levels of pollen are increasing, and this is terrible news for hay fever sufferers.

Dr Corli Lodder of the Allergy Clinic in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, said: “Because of climate change, we have longer, warmer, more humid seasons.

“This is increasing allergens such as pollen and spores.”

ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

The common symptoms of an allergic reaction include sneezing, a runny, stuffy or itchy nose, coughing, a sore or scratchy throat, itchy or watery eyes, dark circles under the eyes, frequent headaches and excessive fatigue.

“People allergic to pollen suffer worse in spring and early summer but can look forward to suffering through autumn and winter, thanks to warmer weather.”

• 50% of all runny, blocked and itchy noses are allergic reactions

• 30% of the world is affected by allergies, but the number is increasing.

Allergies impact negatively on a sufferer’s quality of life.

• 80% feel tired

• 65% feel miserable

• 64% feel irritable

• 36% feel depressed

• 23% feel embarrassed

For more info about allergies, be sure to visit www.allergyfoundation.co.za

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